20 years ago, Ruth Myers had succeeded where most writers fail. Instead of just talking about writing novels, she reliably produced them, becoming a dependable midlist author. But two decades later, things have changed. Many writers have had to take publishing into their own hands, and Myers has published a new e-book.

When in 1980 local artist Nancy Howell-Koehler needed a portrait taken for her new book, it didn’t seem appropriate that she — a fine art photographer — hire someone to do it. So she devised a way to take a self-portrait using a long shutter release cord. Later, she used the same method to take photos of Yellow Springers.

To commemorate the 42nd annual Earth Day this weekend, a mix of fun and education are on hand as an environmentally conscious village steps up to raise awareness about the beauty, and fragility, of the global ecosystem.